Entire Pakistani nation is deeply hurt by the US President Donald Trump’s recent speech in which he accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists safe havens. Due to this, voices from different segments of Pakistani society are being raised to record the protest. A wave of anti-American anger can be observed throughout the country. Bilateral talks and official visits with the United States are suspended as a mark of protest against his hostile statement. The National Assembly has also unanimously passed a resolution in this regard.

Historically, Pakistan and the United States are two natural allies. At the time of independence, world was divided in to two blocs; Communist Bloc and Western Bloc. Western Bloc, led by the US, shares Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a democratic society based on tolerance, interfaith harmony and civil liberties. This is the reason which motivated Pakistan’s first Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan to join hands with the US on the basis of principles. Since then, Pakistan is supporting American agenda on all fronts from core of heart. Either it was sensitive matter of allowing the US to fly U-2 spy plane against Soviet Union from Peshawar airbase or arranging the secret visit of US diplomat Henry Kissinger to Beijing, Pakistan actively allied itself with America to end the international politics of tussle and confrontation. Pakistani people also greatly values the good work carried out by the USAID across the country.

In response of the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan, Pakistan played a crucial role in defeating the Red Army which ultimately resulted into the end of cold war. No doubt, the US provided military and financial support in this critical period but it was actually courage of Pakistan which helped the US to become the only superpower in the today’s unipolar world. At that moment, People of Pakistan and Afghanistan were viewing the US as a great “moral force” to promote peace and prosperity but unfortunately, the US leadership decided to abandon without ensuring political stability in Afghanistan.

I believe that the US decision to leave Afghanistan alone after the Soviet pullout is in fact root cause of today’s global terrorism. Latter, the horrific 9/11 attack forced the US to come back to Afghanistan but in the shape of enemy and invader. On the other hand, Pakistan once again became the US ally and frontline state. All peace-loving citizens of Pakistan and the US deserve the right to ask American leadership about the reasons for leaving Afghanistan in to chaos and anarchy. America was seen nowhere during the initial period of civil war and Taliban’s rule. Pakistan was alone to struggle for regional stability and integrity. The dynamic role of Pakistan for regional peace is also being acknowledged by Russia, China and other regional players.

Contrary to Trump’s narrative, Pakistan is not responsible for US failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan is actually victim of terrorism and the number of sacrifices by whole Pakistani nation is much higher as compared to any other country. It is really very painful that instead of acknowledging Pakistan’s positive role to defeat terrorism, Pakistan is blamed for harboring terrorists safe havens. Most ironically, such harsh criticism starts coming from our ally country, the US, under the influence of anti-Pakistan lobbies. This is on record that neither any of the 9/11 hijackers nor AlQaeda’s top leaders are from Pakistan. These facts disown the Trump’s claim that Pakistan is trying to harm the US interests.

In the today’s world of diplomacy, every country aims to project its positive image on international level. Here, we must admit that Pakistan needs to focus on the country branding as well. There are so many success stories that must be shared with the international community. We need to convey this message in an effective way that Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism all its forms and manifestations. Operation Zarb-e-Azb was conducted by the Pakistan Armed Forces against all kinds of local and foreign militant groups. Another ongoing military Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad aims at eliminating the hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country. The role of Pakistan’s foreign missions to brief the international community about the positive outcomes is very hopeless. There is a dire need to appoint right persons at right places for the sake of Pakistan. The appointment of Non-Muslim talented Pakistani nationals to present the case of country could also be beneficial.

Finally, in my personal views, we must not ignite the fire by showing aggressive reaction. There seems to be some sort of misunderstanding and lack of trust between the US and Pakistan which can only be resolved through effective communication and cooperation. Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa has truly said that America must trust that no country has done more than Pakistan to counter the menace of terrorism. Instead of halting bilateral visits, Government of Pakistan must invite the US President Donald Trump to visit Pak-Afghan border for witnessing our honest efforts through his own eyes. The dubious role of anti-Pakistan elements must also be exposed on the occasion. With the prayers of peace and prosperity for whole mankind, I hope that the US will soon realize that Pakistan is their only sincere, friendliest and trustworthy country in the world from day one and our cordial ties are in the best interest of entire region.